Elliott a quality April target for Big East, Big Ten teams

Known as one of the hardest playing wing prospects in the 2017 class, Greg Elliott has remained patient throughout the recruitment process and because of it, has seen his stock soar. A relatively unheralded prospect last year, the 6-foot-5 swingman has stated his case during his senior season which has equated into high-major attention.

Now boasting offers from Providence, Marquette and Michigan State, Elliott sits as one of the top available prospects left on the board this winter. Elliott is averaging 29 points and nine rebounds for East English Village Prep, who is 15-5 entering state playoffs this week. Elliott can guard various spots, score at the basket and cause damage on the glass.

While it may be difficult to take official visits during the high school season, Elliott was able to get in two within the past three weeks. Finishing off the month of February at Providence, the wing gave his thoughts on the Big East program.

“It was cool,” he said. “They need another high-level guard that is lanky and stuff like that, so I could come in and be the second ball handler to make plays other than Kyron (Cartwright). With it being a small school, you see all of the students at the game. I like that.”

Last weekend, Elliott remained a bit closer to home, getting a glance at Marquette.

“It was a real good experience. They showed me the dorms, around campus and then I watched the game. I like their team. They play a real good style, really good shooters and they like to get up and down. Basically (they pitched that) the transition would be easy for me since I come from a high school that plays fast, just like them.”

While Elliott was on Marquette’s campus for a 48-hour stay, his travel teammate, Jamal Cain, a top-100 forward that is already committed to the Golden Eagles, was in attendance for their game on Saturday.

“He told me to make a good decision but it would be fun to play again, but it would be for much longer,” Elliott said.

Another program that recently offered and could receive a visit in the coming weeks is Michigan State, a program that has caught Elliott’s eye. “It is Michigan State. It is real big getting looked at by one of the best teams,” he said. “I like their coaching staff and they show me how I fit in and how I am needed.”

The Spartans’ star freshman point guard, Cassius Winston, comes from the same travel program as Elliott’s as he has remained in his ear this winter.

“He is telling me about it all, saying it is a good spot to come in there and help out a good program,” Elliott said.

Having already visited Rice and Toledo in the fall, both of which came in the official visit variety, one is still left for Elliott to take. Rice, Detroit, Providence, Marquette and Michigan State remain in contention as the Spartans stand the best shot at getting an official visit from him sometime in the spring, meaning a college commitment may still be weeks away. “I really don’t know. Whenever I get comfortable, then I will make my decision,” Elliott said.

What Elliott brings to the hardwood is the type of things that any program would love to boast: someone willing to do all of the dirty work, capable of creating for others as a secondary ball handler, scoring with efficiency around the basket and playing much bigger than his listed sized on the glass.

Due to the dearth of talented prospects still available, Elliott looks to have played his cards right and at the time being, a commitment to any of the three of Providence, Marquette and Michigan State should be expected following an official visit to MSU in April.